36
Carl Jacobs
Hometown: Chicago
What was your first job? A paid internship with Riverside Publishing in Itasca, Ill.
Compliance Analyst, Southcentral Foundation
Current City: Anchorage Education: Fox Valley Lutheran Academy in Elgin, Ill., graduating in 2003; Judson University, also in Elgin. Community Work: I have had the honor of serving as a community volunteer at a number of amazing nonprofits in Anchorage. I’ve also held elected and appointed office in my former labor organization, the Alaska State Employees Associate, ASEA/ AFSCME Local 52. My wife Alicia and I have been licensed as therapeutic foster parents to at-risk youth for the last decade. Lastly, serving as an elected member of the Anchorage School Board is an honor, and a role I hope to continue in for years to come. Family: Alicia and I have been together since 2008. Our son Devin also lives in Anchorage and will be getting married this summer. Together, Alicia and I have helped raise dozens of foster youth - each of whom we consider part of the family. Lastly, we also have an adorable dog named Zoey (just ask for photos). What is your favorite place in Alaska and why? I really enjoy the energy of downtown Anchorage. Having traveled for work, I would also encourage every Alaskan to visit Southeast Alaska. Sitka is beautiful year-round. Name the person you respect and why Alicia is my choice, hands down. Her personal and professional sacrifice for our family makes everything possible. I couldn’t ask for a better partner in life. What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? Watching the (future NFL champion) Chicago Bears. #beardown
What has been your most rewarding community service? Watching 12 - and counting - of our foster youth walk across a stage and receive their high school diploma makes this an easy choice. I think Alicia and I will gladly continue as therapeutic foster parents for as long as we are able. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? As a member of the Anchorage School Board, I worked with our Board President Margo Bellamy to prioritize student testimony at our bi-monthly meetings. Creating a safe and welcoming space for the next generation of leaders to practice civic engagement was truly exciting, and a practice I expect to continue long after my tenure on the Board ends. Listening to our students testify is inspiring, and reminds everyone present as to what the “main thing” is in K-12 education.
“
Based on your own experiences, what advice would you give on maintaining a good work-life balance? Alicia would tell you I am the last person to be giving advice on this topic - read with caution! I’ve been told aligning personal passions with a chosen profession offers the best chance to have a fulfilling and balanced life. Truly still figuring this one out.
Society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in. 19
